Plumbing

This qualification is for you if you are a learner who wishes to work towards becoming a plumber in the building services industry. It has been designed to deliver a high level of occupational skills and provide a platform from which to progress through further learning via an apprenticeship programme or into employment.

As a full-time student studying a Technical Diploma in Plumbing, you will enter the department at Level 2, and after successful completion of this, you will have the opportunity to progress to Level 3.

This technical qualification focuses on the development of knowledge and practical skills needed for working in the plumbing industry, and will prepare you to enter a plumbing apprenticeship programme. On completion of the apprenticeship, you will be recognised by the industry as a competent plumbing and domestic heating engineer.

The course covers how to install and maintain a variety of plumbing systems, including hot and cold water systems, drainage, rainwater systems, and central heating systems.

Entry requirements: GCSE maths and English grades A–D (9–3) or equivalent.

At each level, assessment will be through both a synoptic assignment and a theory exam.

Synoptic assignment

The synoptic assignment is externally set, internally marked, and externally moderated.

The assignment requires candidates to identify and use effectively, in an integrated way, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the whole content area. Candidates will be judged against the assessment objectives. There will be one opportunity within each academic year to sit the assignment. Candidates who fail the assignment will have one resit opportunity.

Theory exam

This exam is externally set and externally marked.

The exam is designed to assess candidates’ depth and breadth of understanding across the mandatory content in the qualification at the end of the period of learning, and will be sat under invigilated examination conditions.

After successful completion of the Level 2 Technical Diploma, you will have the opportunity to progress to Level 3. We encourage our full-time students to be proactive in looking for employment or an apprenticeship, so that the training you have been given can be put into practice in the world of work. An up-to-date CV is essential.

After successful completion of any of our plumbing courses, you will have the knowledge and understanding to install and maintain domestic plumbing and heating systems, and will be able to progress into either an apprenticeship in plumbing or higher education (HE).